NEW ORLEANS, La. -- It was a big day for Vanguard athletics, as the dance team took center stage in the Battle of the Big Easy to compete for the very first time in program history.  It might have been the first competition performance, but the Lions did not let that get in the way, as the squad came away with two wins on the day against Montreat (N.C.) and Ave Maria (Fla.).  The team won 78.3-69.6 over Montreat and then topped Ave Maria 79.53-68.13.

What Happened?  Dance competitions can vary in format, with each school putting their routine up against another school or against the entire field.  The judges then assign scores based on the execution of the routine and the technical elements present.  The Lions went up against the Cavaliers for the first-ever competition performance in school history, pulling off the 9-plus point win.

VU then had to repeat their routine a little less than an hour later to see if they could top Ave Maria, which they did by about 11 points.  The Lions were the only team to go 2-0 on the day.  Aquinas (Mich.) went 1-0, Ave Maria went 1-1, Our Lady of the Lake (Texas) went 1-1, Dillard (La.) went 1-1, Talladega (Ala.) went 0-1, and Montreat went 0-2.

"I am so proud of this team and the routines they put out on the floor today," said Head Coach Taylor Smith.  "Being in our first-ever competition, I expected some nerves, but they fought through them and competed with confidence.  We are so thankful to have walked away with two great performances and two wins!  Looking forward to tomorrow!"

What's Next?  Vanguard will put their routine up against the field at 7:20 a.am before then squaring off against St. Thomas (Fla.) at 11 a.m., all times Pacific.